First-Generation College Celebration is observed on November 8, recognizing individuals who were the first in their family to earn a four-year degree. Kara Edwards, advisor to the vice president of University Operations, Events, and Safety, shares how her experience at Purdue University shaped her and what it means to her to be a first-generation college graduate.
Where did you go for your four-year degree, what is your degree in, and how did you ultimately choose which college you attended?
I went to Purdue University and I majored in history with a minor in organizational leadership and supervision. I chose Purdue for a few reasons. First, it felt like the perfect distance from home (2 hours). I could have the college experience, but could also go home when/if I needed or wanted to. Second, I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everything about each other, and I wanted to go to a big school where I would be a small fish in a big pond. Finally, Purdue was always on my list because when I was little, I wanted to be a meteorologist and they were one of the few schools that offered it as a major.
What was the moment or reason you decided to pursue a four-year degree and how did your family react to that decision?
Growing up, there was never a question in my mind whether or not I would pursue a four-year degree. I don’t specifically recall my parents saying that it was something I should or shouldn’t do. My parents were very supportive of my decision to pursue a four-year degree. I think every parent hopes that their children do better for themselves than they did. My parents saw my decision to pursue a four-year degree as a step in that direction.
What was the most challenging part of your college experience?
The most challenging part of my college experience was navigating the whole process from applying to schools, deciding on a school, financial aid, major/class selection, etc., because my parents had never gone through it themselves. We had to feel our way through it together.
How did you translate your college degree and experience into your current role?
Although my current role is not related to my undergraduate or master's degree (sport management), my college experience helped me build and refine many transferable skills that I use every day. An example of this in my current role is that I have to be an effective communicator, both written and verbal, with a wide variety of people. As a history major, I did a lot of writing, whether it was papers or blue book exams, which enabled me to build my written communication skills that I now rely on in my daily work.
What is an unexpected way your college degree has impacted your life or the life of your family?
One way my college degree has impacted my life is that it has opened up opportunities I otherwise would have been unaware of. When I started as a student at Purdue, I had no idea that working in college athletics was a possibility. I have always loved and participated in sports, but I thought after high school I would just be a fan; however, a student job in Purdue’s ticket office opened my eyes to college athletics as a possible career. Before my current role, I spent over 12 years working in college athletics at Purdue, Indiana University, and Notre Dame. During my time in athletics, I was able to have so many unique experiences (working a BCS National Championship, two women’s Final Fours, a hockey Frozen Four, five Shamrock Series games, etc.) that I would not have had if I hadn’t gone to college and learned that working in college athletics was an option. These experiences will stick with me for the rest of my life.
What advice would you give someone who is unsure about attending college and would be the first one in their family to do so?
My advice for someone who is unsure about attending college and would be the first one in their family to do so would be not to get caught up in the having to go to a big-name school. As an 18-year-old, I wanted the traditional college experience, and I am forever grateful that I was able to get that; however, in hindsight, it would have been more fiscally responsible to go to Indiana University South Bend or a similar school. One of the many wonderful benefits that Notre Dame offers full-time employees is a tuition benefit for themselves and their dependents. I would encourage someone who is unsure about attending college to familiarize themselves with the tuition benefits Notre Dame offers to help remove financial barriers if they decide pursuing a college degree is the right next step.
What is your favorite part about your job and working for the University of Notre Dame?
My favorite part of my job is the people I get to work with and having the opportunity to serve others. The people at Notre Dame make it such a special place. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to work alongside them. My favorite part of working for the University of Notre Dame is the mission and being part of something bigger than myself. I count the opportunity to work at the University of Notre Dame as one of the biggest blessings of my life!
What does it mean to you to be the first in your family to graduate with a four-year degree?
It means a great deal to me to be the first in my family to graduate with a four-year degree. As a mom to a young son, I hope my story is an example to him that if you set a goal and put in the work, anything is possible!